Cairo: Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar, its Gaza leader, as the new head of the political bureau, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran last week. This decision solidifies Hamas’s commitment to its radical agenda following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Sinwar, the mastermind behind the most severe attack on Israel in decades, has been evading Israeli attempts to capture or kill him since the conflict began. In a statement, Hamas announced, “The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas announces the selection of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the head of the political bureau of the movement, succeeding the martyr Commander Ismail Haniyeh, may Allah have mercy on him.”
This appointment comes as Israel braces for potential repercussions from Haniyeh’s assassination, with rockets fired from Gaza in response. A regional diplomat noted, “The appointment means that Israel needs to face Sinwar over a solution to Gaza war,” emphasizing the uncompromising nature of the move.
Sinwar, who spent years in Israeli prisons, is now the most influential surviving Hamas leader following Haniyeh’s death. Iran has promised severe retaliation, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s assassination, it has confirmed the elimination of other senior Hamas leaders, including Saleh al-Arouri and Mohammed Deif.
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At 61, Sinwar, originally from Khan Younis, Gaza, was elected as Hamas’ Gaza leader in 2017. Known for his harsh tactics and strong opposition to Israel, he is now the focal point of Israel’s military strategy. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, “There is only one place for Yahya Sinwar, and it is beside Mohammed Deif and the rest of the Oct 7th terrorists.”
Hamas appears unified in its support for Sinwar, with former leader Khaled Meshaal backing him as a loyal choice to lead the movement amid ongoing conflict. For Israel, Sinwar’s appointment underscores Hamas’s dedication to its destructive goals and likely strengthens Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resolve to continue military operations in Gaza.
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The conflict, ignited by the surprise attack on Oct. 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreigners have been killed, and more than 250 taken hostage, while Israel’s counteroffensive has claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives and devastated Gaza.
Despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, talks have stalled amid mutual blame. Hamas official Osama Hamdan assured Al Jazeera that negotiations under Sinwar would continue, reflecting the movement’s commitment to securing a deal. However, political analyst Hani Al-Masri views Sinwar’s leadership as a direct challenge to Israel, signaling a firm adherence to an “extremist and resistant approach.”
